PD: Butcher knife found under baby's pillow

Butcher knife and 87 ecstasy tablets seized from an apartment unit in Danielson.

Ashly McFarline

Pedro Galindez

DANIELSON, CT (WFSB) -

A young mother and her boyfriend appeared in court Thursday on charges of operating a drug factory and the couple is accused of stashing a deadly weapon under a 4-month-old baby's pillow.

State police said investigators found a 14-inch butcher knife under the baby's pillow during a drug arrest at an apartment in Danielson on Wednesday morning.

The state police Quality of Life Task Force along with a Killingly resident trooper executed a warrant at a residence on Prospect Street.

Troopers seized 87 ecstasy tablets that were "individually packaged for sale" and had an estimated street value of $2,000.

The baby, who was sleeping at the time and unharmed, was taken into Department of Children and Families custody.

Ashly McFarline, 24, and Pedro Galindez, 25, both of Danielson, were arrested. They were charged with possession of ecstasy, possession of ecstasy with intent to sell, operating a drug factory and risk of injury to a minor.

"She knew the butcher knife was there, but she had it in the bedroom for protection," McFarline told authorities.

McFarline and Galindez were arraigned at Danielson Superior Court Thursday.

"As far as the weapon, there was no intention to hurt the baby or place it in harm's way," said the suspects' public defender.

McFarline, who is a mother of two, confessed the ecstasy belonged to her boyfriend.

"He took full responsibility for the items in the residence, under circumstances shows good intentions and that he will come to court if he makes bond," said the public defender for Galindez.

Neighbors told Eyewitness News they were upset to learn about the arrests.

"I think that's bad to put drugs before your kids," said neighbor George Skipper. "I hope they put her away; we don't need that kind of garbage around here."

Galindez has been convicted of third-degree larceny and third-degree burglary while McFarline was convicted of evading responsibility, interfering with police officer and sixth-degree larceny.

Galindez's bond was raised to $50,000 and McFarline was release on a promise to appear as long as she got mental health help.

Eyewitness News learned McFarline has another child and officials indicated the kids are in the custody of Department of Children and Families for now.

The Quality of Life Task Force was assembled to help curb drug use in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut. Anyone with any information about drug activity in the area is asked to call the state police tip line 860-779-4950 or message the QLTF Facebook page.